The Department of Veterans Affairs Biorepository Brain Bank

VA Biorepository Brain Bank News

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What is the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Biorepository Brain Bank?

The VA Biorepository Brain Bank (VABBB) is a human tissue bank that collects, processes, stores, and gives out research specimens for future scientific studies. The VABBB provides central nervous system (CNS) tissue and health information to scientists studying disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS; Lou Gehrig's disease), disorders of Veterans of the 1990-91 Gulf War, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The VABBB is currently enrolling persons with these and other neurological conditions.

Scientists studying neurological disorders must compare brain tissue donated by people affected by these diseases with tissue from people who are not affected by them in order to understand the causes of these conditions. Yet, most brain banks, including the VABBB, have critical shortages of tissue from those without these brain disorders (otherwise known as "control tissue"). This is why obtaining brain tissue from those without brain disorders is also critical to research.

Who can take part in the VABBB?

Any Veteran living in the United States may enroll in the VABBB. Some non-Veterans may also be eligible to enroll, please see below for information on how to enroll in our study:

Veterans who served during the 1990-91 Gulf War (deployed or non-deployed) please click *click here* to find information about the Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses Biorepository (GWVIB) brain bank, or call to speak with a researcher at (855) 561-7827.

We hope that those without brain disorders consider enrolling in the VABBB to support research on neurologic conditions affecting Veterans. Please *click here* to find information about why those without brain disorders should consider brain donation, or call to speak with a researcher at (866) 460-1158.

OTHER CONDITIONS

Veterans and non-Veterans diagnosed with other disorders such as major depression may also be eligible to enroll in the VABBB, please call to speak with a researcher at (800) 762-6609.

VABBB PARTICIPANTS IN THE U.S.

The VABBB has enrolled participants from 47 States in the U.S. as well as the U.S. Territory of Puerto Rico. For more information, please see the map below.

Thank you for considering this important issue. We are always willing to answer any questions you or your family may have. Study specific brochures and FAQs can be found at each site. During working hours, we can be reached at our toll-free office numbers: